Welcome to Faces of Hospitality, a new series from Eaton Essentials celebrating the people who make our industry so special. Each month, we'll spotlight the incredible individuals behind the manufacturers, dealer partners, end users, and Eaton team members who help shape hospitality every day. From career journeys and industry insights to personal stories and the passion that drives them, our goal is simple: to put a face to the names behind the brands and recognize the people making a lasting impact across foodservice. Because while great products matter, it's the people behind them who truly make hospitality memorable.
Behind every successful foodservice operation is a network of passionate professionals dedicated to making hospitality better. In this edition of Faces of Hospitality, we're introducing Kayla Chappell, Territory Sales Representative for Lakeside Manufacturing and Multiteria. From an unexpected start in the golf industry to becoming an award-winning leader in foodservice equipment sales, Kayla's story is one of curiosity, relationship-building, and a commitment to helping operators succeed.
Kayla's journey started on the golf course.
Having played golf since she was just four years old, and eventually competing at the collegiate level, she originally launched her career in the golf industry. But eager for a new challenge, she stepped into the foodservice world knowing very little about it.
That leap of faith paid off.
Over the years, Kayla has built experience working alongside leading manufacturers and dealer partners across hospitality, K-12 education, healthcare, higher education, and commercial foodservice. Along the way, she's developed a deep appreciation for how quality equipment, innovative solutions, and trusted partnerships all play a role in creating exceptional customer experiences.
To Kayla, hospitality is about creating meaningful experiences through service.
Whether someone is enjoying a meal at a luxury resort, grabbing lunch in a school cafeteria, dining at a country club, or receiving care in a healthcare facility, the goal remains the same: making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
While guests may never notice the equipment working behind the scenes, Kayla knows that reliable products and thoughtful design are what help operators consistently deliver those memorable experiences.
One accomplishment stands out in Kayla's career: being recognized as Salesperson of the Year during her time at Hobart.
While the award celebrated strong sales performance, Kayla says it represented something even more meaningful, the relationships she built with customers, dealer partners, and colleagues throughout the journey.
For her, some of the most rewarding moments come from helping customers transform their operations. Seeing a project evolve from the first conversation to the final installation and knowing it improves efficiency while enhancing the guest experience, is what keeps her passionate about the industry.
Throughout her career, Kayla has been fortunate to learn from mentors, sales leaders, dealer partners, and customers who challenged her to keep growing.
But one lesson has stayed with her from the very beginning.
During her first week in sales, Billy Dakuras shared advice that still guides her today:
"One of the cardinal sins of a salesperson is to overpromise and underdeliver. Always stay true to your word and follow through with what you say."
It's a philosophy that continues to define how Kayla serves customers every day.
The foodservice industry is evolving rapidly, and Kayla couldn't be more excited.
She sees tremendous opportunity in innovations centered around mobility, automation, ergonomics, and sustainability. Flexible serving solutions, energy-efficient equipment, and labor-saving technologies are helping operators navigate today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's needs.
Being able to help customers embrace those innovations is one of the things she enjoys most about her role.
Outside of work, Kayla's competitive spirit hasn't disappeared.
Having played golf since childhood and through college, the sport remains an important part of who she is, something many people are surprised to learn after meeting her in the foodservice world.
She's also always eager to connect with consultants, dealers, operators, and fellow foodservice professionals to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and collaborate on future projects.
At Lakeside Manufacturing, the mission is simple: create mobile equipment solutions that improve productivity and efficiency.
Known for their American-made craftsmanship, Lakeside manufactures everything from utility carts and meal delivery systems to mobile bars, induction cooking stations, and transport equipment for foodservice, healthcare, education, and hospitality environments.
Meanwhile, Multiteria specializes in custom serving solutions that blend innovative design with practical functionality. Their serving lines are built to create engaging dining environments while meeting each customer's unique operational goals.
Together, both brands are recognized for their commitment to quality, customization, durability, and long-term value, providing solutions that improve workflow, enhance presentation, and stand up to the demands of commercial environments.
For Kayla, the partnership between Lakeside, and Eaton Essentials is rooted in collaboration.
"Eaton Essentials serves as an extension of our team," she explains.
With local market expertise, strong dealer relationships, and responsive customer support, Eaton Essentials helps bridge the gap between manufacturers and customers—ensuring every project receives the education, attention, and service it deserves.
It's a partnership focused on one common goal: helping customers succeed.
According to Kayla, today's operators are looking for equipment that's more flexible than ever before.
Demand continues to grow for mobile, multi-functional solutions that maximize space, improve workflow, and help offset labor challenges. At the same time, customers are prioritizing durability, sanitation, energy efficiency, and customized designs that reflect their unique brands while creating better guest experiences.
As the industry continues to evolve, companies like Lakeside and Eaton Essentials remain committed to delivering solutions that help operators stay ahead.
Interested in talking foodservice equipment, operational challenges, or future projects?
Kayla enjoys connecting with dealers, consultants, operators, and industry professionals through LinkedIn and at foodservice events. Whether you're looking for equipment solutions or simply want to exchange ideas, she'd love to connect.
Faces of Hospitality is Eaton Essentials' ongoing series celebrating the incredible people behind the manufacturers, dealer partners, operators, and team members who make our industry stronger every day. Stay tuned for next month's feature.